Charlotte Leaders in Research

Scholars Award

Charlotte’s Distinguished Research Award

Nominations for the 2026 Charlotte’s Distinguished Research Award will open in January 15, 2026.  
Deadline: The deadline to submit nominations for the 2026 award is February 13, 2026.
Contact:  Kailey Hess, Limited Submissions & Internal Funding Coordinator, Division of Research

Nominations for the 2026 Charlotte’s Distinguished Research Award are open!

Deadline: The deadline to submit nominations for the 2026 award is February 13, 2026.

Contact:  Kailey Hess, Limited Submissions & Internal Funding Coordinator, Division of Research

The Charlotte’s Distinguished Research Award  (former First Citizen’s) was first awarded in 1988 and recognizes outstanding scholarship, creativity, and research among senior full-time faculty members. Each year, the University, with support from The Division of Research, will present this award moving forward to recognize and foster the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and creative endeavors. 

Award: 

The recipients are honored annually at the Leaders in Research Reception hosted by the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor for Research, Provost, and other University officers. They are presented with a framed citation and a cash prize. 

Nominations:

Nominations must focus on the excellence and importance of sustained contributions in research and creative activities, including work done over a substantial period of time at UNC Charlotte.  Relevant research and creative activities include scientific discoveries, books, a series of related articles, novels, sculptures, or paintings. 

Nominations remain eligible for consideration for two years. The nominator should submit a memo in the second year stating the nominee agrees to be considered for the next round. Please submit the second-year memo to khess10@charlotte.edu.

Required nomination materials should consist of the following:

  1. Nominator’s letter, clearly specifying the scholarly or creative accomplishments at UNC Charlotte and their significance. (Maximum three single-spaced pages)
  2. Three letters of support from professionals outside of UNC Charlotte who are qualified to evaluate the work of the nominee and provide an authoritative view. The nomination letter should include a brief biography (two to three sentences) of each letter writer.
  3. Nominee’s current curriculum vitae. 

Optional supportive materials (such as books or journal articles) should be kept to one or two representative examples. If included, the material may be delivered to Kailey Hess, in Camron Hall, 320C.

Selection Process:

 The deadline to submit a nomination is February 13, 2026. 

Nomination material is submitted electronically by completing an online nomination form. 

The selection committee is comprised of UNC Charlotte faculty. 

Award recipients are announced in late February/early March.

RECIPIENTS

  • 2025 Dr. Franz Kellermanns, Management
  • 2024: Dr. Adam Reitzel, Biological Sciences
  • 2023: Dr. Kirill Afonin, Chemistry 
  • 2022: Dr. Jean-Claude Thill, Geography and Earth Sciences
  • 2021: Dr. Akinwumi Ogundiran, Africana Studies
  • 2020:  Dr. James Walsh, Political Science and Public Administration
  • 2019:  Dr. Steven Rogelberg, Psychological Science and Management
  • 2018:  Dr. Pinku Mukherjee, Biological Sciences
  • 2017:  Dr. Robert Algozzine, Educational Leadership
  • 2016:  Dr. John David Smith, History
  • 2015:  Dr. William Ribarsky, Computer Science
  • 2014:  Dr. Craig Ogle, Chemistry
  • 2013:  Dr. Lawrence Calhoun and Dr. Richard Tedeschi, Psychology
  • 2012:  Dr. Jonathan Marks, Anthropology
  • 2011:  Dr. Roslyn A. Mickelson, Sociology
  • 2010:  Dr. Lyman L. Johnson, History
  • 2009:  Dr. Diane M. Browder, Special Education and Child Development
  • 2008:  Dr. Bruce A. Arrigo, Criminal Justice and Criminology
  • 2007:  Dr. Kenneth Bost, Biology
  • 2006:  Dr. Tanure Ojaide, Africana Studies
  • 2005:  Dr. Mark G. Clemens, Biology
  • 2004:  Dr. David T. Test, Special Education and Child Development
  • 2003:  Dr. Murray A. Webster, Jr., Sociology and Anthropology
  • 2002:  Dr. Rafic Z. Makki, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • 2001:  Dr. Martha A. Strawn, Art
  • 2000:  Dr. Robert J. Hocken, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science
  • 1999:  Dr. Donna R. Gabaccia, History
  • 1998:  Dr. Daniel L. Shealy, English
  • 1997:  Dr. Owen J. Furuseth, Geography and Earth Sciences
  • 1996:  Dr. Zbigniew Michalewicz, Computer Science
  • 1995:  Dr. Farid M. Tranjan, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • 1994:  Dr. Saul Brenner, Political Science
  • 1993:  Dr. Thomas L. Reynolds, Biology
  • 1992:  Dr. Gerald F. Pyle, Geography and Earth Sciences
  • 1991:  Dr. Judith D. Suther, Foreign Languages, and Dr. K. David Patterson, History
  • 1990:  Dr. Bryan E. Robinson, Human Services
  • 1989:  Dr. David R. Goldfield, History, and Dr. James D. Oliver, Biology
  • 1988:  Dr. Paul D. Escott, History, and Dr. D. Paul Rillema, Chemistry